LCCMedia Foundation's Seniors Magazine

Seniors

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Seniors — Winter 2021

December, 2021

Seniors are the bedrock of our communities

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t has been a pleasure working on this project. We have had twenty drawing and painting sessions, about forty interviews with seniors as featured in this magazine and a rainy day Fall photoshoot. This project was made possible by a grant from the Federal Government of Canada.

We have had to work within the constraints of the pandemic. I would like to thank our Special Seniors Coordinator: Lorrie Morales for the

work she did in interviewing the seniors. I would like to thank the directors as well for their hard work and diligence in their pursuit on this project.

Seniors are the bedrock of our communities. They carry with them the torch for the future. The way we treat our seniors tells us who we are and it spells the way our own children will treat us. The stories in this magazine will warm your heart and encourage you to look at seniors in a

more special way.

We ask you to read these stories with an open mind and we hope that your heart will be filled with love as you spend time getting to know the seniors who kindly agreed to feature with us.

Send all your comments to info@ lccmediafoundation.ca as we would love to hear from you.

Tee Adeyemo Editor-In-Chief

Seniors — Winter 2021

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Seniors

CONTENTS

Seniors M A G A Z I N E

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tee Adeyemo info@lccmediafoundation.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tayo El-nathan Lorrie Morales CONTENT/RESIDENT EDITOR Judith Pila MARKETING MANAGER/ADVERTS Tee Adeyemo 587 974 9830

This project was made possible by a grant from the Federal Government of Canada

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DESIGN DIRECTOR ‘Tunde Adeyemo tundeadeyemo@citeay.com PHOTOGRAPHER Babatunde Bamiro Babz Studios Info@babzstudios.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTOR Tayo Elnathan tayo.elnathan@lccmediafoundation.ca

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EMAIL info@lccmediafoundation.ca WEBSITE www.lccmediafoundation.ca This magazine or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher.

Ladies Corner Canada Limited, 4230 Charles Close SE, Edmonton, AB T6W OZ5.

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Seniors — Winter 2021

Community Connector—Connie Jewell Mountains and Miracles­— Harald Froise Everyday Joys — Connie Luchia Man of Many Traits— Jim Thompson Heart of Gold—Donna Thompson Adventurous Duo—Ralph and Susan Keith LIfe to the Full—Ellen Nelson Positive Vibes—Elna Bitu Wise Words—Norman Quantz Life-long Learner—Gordon Friedrick A Life of Thanks—Stuart Ledlie Munro Forever Young—Gilian Worsnop A Need to Read—Judy Nielsen World Traveller— Lois Harquail LCCMedia Foundation Drawing Sessions Road to Recovery—Syde Kidwai Sunny Dabbler — Joanne Erickson A Success Story— Mary Ann Reeves Endless Educator—Janice Ottewell Teacher Time—Sylvia Moore Walk of Faith—Doreen Acton Sunny Disposition—Noel Checkley A Musical Soul—Lorraine Nadeau A Snownbird Senora—Doris Jones A Driving Force—Ray Sampert Gramma Molly—Molly Boyce Alto Automan—Gerry Diemert Social Sandi— Sandra Lee For the Love of Music— Amos Garrett From East to West—Jan Lloyd Mischievous Mainlander—Murray Lloyd The Smiling Storyteller— Linda Rakos

December, 2021

This Too shall Pass

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CCMedia Foundation is an orga­ nisation dedicated to the dissemination of infor­ma­­­­ tion. We offer fina­­­n­­­­­­cial lite­ racy classes, painting sessions, men­­ tal health workshops for youths and vaccine literacy.

In 2022, we will be offering free tax clinic to low income members of the community. Please visit our website for more information.

We set a goal to connect to seniors in the community as we thought we could help reduce the effect of social isolation brought on by the pandemic.

We had two ideas in mind. One was to bring people together to express themselves in a creative space and

this we accomplished through our weekly painting sessions. The second idea was to have seniors share their life experiences on how they coped or are coping in the pandemic.

What we have seen as a grassroot organisation is that social isolation, depression and anxiety is real and everyone, seniors and youth alike are susceptible to the effects of social isolation.

It is my sincere hope that you read the magazine, share it with someone and enjoy it as we have enjoyed every aspect of creating this body of knowledge. We hope the stories bring hope and promise into your lives.

We thank and acknowledge the

Seniors — Winter 2021

Government of Canada for the oppor­ tunity to make this project possible.

We thank all the contributors who have written or interviewed for this project. Thank you Lorrie Morales for going above and beyond while executing this project.

We have come a long way in our fight for normalcy in this global pandemic. As the Omicron variant rages, one thing is clear: this too shall pass.

Happy Holidays!

Tayo El-Nathan Executive Director

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Seniors

Community Connector Connie Jewell

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onnie is an active volunteer who has stayed true to her advice for others regarding staying engaged in the community and holding your family close. For the past 10 years she has worked for FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) driving people to their appointments. She enjoys this interaction with others and finds it an awesome experience.

She is motivated to serve in her community as long as she can.

The condo where she lives is a small community of seniors. The pandemic was a time for her to reflect on life and realize what’s important. She did a few projects such as making snowmen and knitting. She also kept busy with jigsaws, walking and staying in touch with others in her building.

Connie’s community was and continues to be a little town south of Calgary. She and her family lived in the police barracks until she was 10 years old. She enjoys the close-knit community and remembers a time when

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it paid off for her. She had just gotten her drivers license and was working downtown at the Memorial Centre when she realized she had forgotten something at home. She dashed over to her father’s workplace and asked her father if she could borrow his vehicle. He replied that he had to work that day; but no sooner had he said that, the boss came around the corner dangling his keys in his hands and told her to take his car. That’s the trustworthiness of small-town folks.

Connie helped form the original Kinette Club as the treasurer and is still active at the United Church as bookkeeper. She also worked for the 1988 Olympics for the Speed Skating venue and met a lot of volunteers. As a little girl, Connie was referred to as the third string athlete but she loved cheering others on. Her dream of marrying a farmer and having a family did come true and for 25 years, they had a farm north of town. Her 4 children all live in Alberta and have given her 12 grandchildren. After a divorce, she

Seniors — Winter 2021

moved to Olds, but came back to High River where she plans on staying.

Connie believes that the biggest change in our world from when she grew up is technology. 85% of the time, it’s positive and used to connect people with Zoom and cell phones, but it can also be detrimental because so many people rely on it and one can become a prisoner to it. Facebook and other social media sites can also be used for gossip. It depends on the person using the technology, but cell phones have opened up a whole other world.

Connie feels very blessed and thankful for all the opportunities in her life. If she could have three wishes, they would be to win the lottery as money can be tight; have more peace in the world, during these anxious times; and that politicians would work together for all of us. Connie is a motivated woman who is an asset to any community she chooses to live in.

December, 2021

Mountains & Miracles Harald Froise

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rom Johannesburg, Sou­ th Africa to Bonnyville in northern Alberta, Harald continues his calling as a man of God. Raised as one of 6 children, Harald has many memories of his years growing up in a culture of many conflicts. His parents came from Norway to South Africa as missionaries. His playmates were Zulu children, his toys were mud, bricks and water and he dreamed of becoming a farmer, a doctor and a missionary at different points in his life.

When Harald started school, he knew 2 languages: Norwegian and Zulu. He did not speak English, but today he is fluent in many languages. One of Harald’s early memories is of his 2 older sisters walking him to school from the mission home along the busy road in Durban. He would have to wait after school until the girls were finished. He recalls a Grade 2 student telling him, “The bell’s already gone,” to which Harald replied, “Where has it gone?” His quick wit and his humor are still evident 85 years later.

Harald recalls the political unrest during his years in South Africa after the collapse of apartheid in 1990.

When he was ministering in the Gold Mines, he remembers the antagonism of Mandela and the Zulu factions that caused riots, resulting in death and injury to the workers. Harald also experienced the scepticism and belief systems of many Africans and realized that the mission field was huge.

When preachers gathered in circles under trees with small congregations of 15-20 people, Harald offered them training in Bible school. He based his written material on scripture and 5 different languages, asking the preachers not to share their opinion but preach the Word of God. Because of an understanding of the African Independent churches, Harald was instrumental in mission work and saving many souls. He worked in Christian ministry and was even Administrator for World Vision in South Africa at one point.

Harald and his wife raised their 2 daughters and son believing, living and preaching his faith. His advice to them and his grandchildren is to allow God to rule your life. Harald has seen many miracles and seen the work of God. Harald was sure to tell those he ministered to. One particular time was when 13 members of his class came forward for prayer, Harald

Seniors — Winter 2021

His advice to his children and grandchildren is to allow God to rule their lives. anointing each one from a jar of oil.

After a month-long semester break, Harald asked each of them to share what God had done in their lives. An older man said that his ankle had been healed. Others came forward to share their stories. Harald asked if there were any more who wished to speak. Immediately, a young man asked, “Where can I buy that oil?”

Eventually, Harald and his wife were sponsored by their daughter and made their way to Canada. Harald continued his love for the Lord and ministry working as an intern pastor in the Edmonton area and then to Bonnyville, where he and his former wife had a Bread and Breakfast. Since his wife’s passing, he has since moved, remarried, but continues to pastor.

Perhaps he doesn’t miss the cold winters with no heat in Johannesburg; but he does miss the beautiful Zulu people, conversing and being part of their lives. UNkulunkulu muhle.

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Seniors

She has realized that “the real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead, but something small, numerous and already here.

Everyday Joys Connie Luchia

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onnie, better known as Gigi, was born on February 16, 1941. She was raised in a small hamlet. She was the only girl her age so she learned at a young age that “imagination was wonderful”. She played many parts with her two dolls that were her students, patients or babies. She was happy in her little world. Her family had a few animals on their property and when the calf was sold, the shed was converted into Connie’ imaginary playhouse.

Connie remembers the world at war and having rations for sugar. To this day, she learned from her parents to be frugal. Her parents were in love and treated her and her older brother with rules. They were strict, but they never got the “strap”. Usually, punishment was a talking to or a lecture

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when they did something wrong, like going to their friend’s house without permission. Connie’s dad was very influential in her life. She learned from him to stretch a dollar, to never spank a child when you are mad and never go to bed without making up with your partner and a goodnight kiss.

The worst thing she ever did was to turn the mileage back on her dad’s car. Instead of driving to where she told him she was going to, she drove her friends to Red Deer instead. She was scared, but figured she’d gotten away with it. It wasn’t until years later that her dad mentioned the incident and shared that he did in fact know about the excursion. They both ended up having a good laugh. Connie’s greatest accomplishment was leaving home and taking a leap of faith by joining the AirForce.

Seniors — Winter 2021

Her first job was as a waitress. She still remembers being shocked when she was helping with the orders and the cook opened a can of pork and beans to serve. It was on the menu, but as the cook explained, you can’t prepare too many things because you just end up wasting food. Connie also loved babysitting.

She is most proud that she was taught a great sense of taking care of herself and being loving to others. This wasn’t always the case. She feels that she lost Connie, herself. for 28 years. She delivered and cared for three beautiful babies, but raised them in a dysfunctional home. They tell her now that they remember the little things. They always knew she loved them and does this day. A new chapter of Connie’s life began when she turned 50.

Today, she is a happy senior with respect for others. She volunteered at a senior centre for 10 years after she retired from having a wonderful career of answering the phone as a receptionist. She loves the seniors, being helpful and caring and that’s what got her through the pandemic.

When she lost her parents, the seniors got to enjoy time with Connie and she has carried that gift forward. She has realized that “the real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead, but something small, numerous and already here. The smile of someone you love. Your little everyday joys all lined up in a row.”

December, 2021

Man of Many Traits Jim Thompson

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hen I think of my neighbor, I remember the day he introduced ants and mealworm Rice Krispies to my sons and the neighborhood boys. Jim Thompson was born on May 2, 1946 in Cardston, Alberta. He is an active outdoorsman, hunter and man-of-all-trades. If Jim isn’t foraging in the forest for chaga, building a fence and putting up a new roof on his house or building a sun-room for his hunting trophies, he is teaching Hunter Education. For years, he and his wife, Donna, ran a bus shuttle from small towns south of Calgary to the city.

Jim is a middle child of seven children. His first memory was catching his hand in a ring washer. When he was just a teenager, his father passed away. Back in those days, boys weren’t to cry and he suppressed his emotions. Later in his adult life, he visited a psychologist who told him that he was a “lone wolf”, which Jim thought was pretty impressive, until the doctor told him that it wasn’t. Apparently,

Jim hadn’t experienced that emotional bond with others. After an enlightening experience, Jim found the love of his life, Donna and they raised four sons. They both share a strong bond with their children and delight in having them as part of their lives. Jim recalls one time when one of the boys was in high school. Jim had to go into the school. He was greeting everyone in the cafeteria area and gave his son a big hug. When Jim asked his son if he wasn’t embarrassed, his son replied, “No way! You’re my dad!” Showing and saying “I love you” is interwoven into the family.

Jim was an average student who loved sports. He played football, baseball, basketball and was on the track team. He remembers his firstgrade teacher. Because Jim couldn’t spell very well, she told him that if he didn’t perform and get the words correct, she was going to paddle him for each misspelled word. Needless to say, Jim’s grades improved and fifty years later, he met her at a school reunion. She mentioned to him that he was her favorite student! The spelling Seniors — Winter 2021

also helped Jim when he became involved in Adult Education with the City of Calgary for years. Jim did a self-diagnosis a number of years ago and believed that he had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); thus the difficulty sitting in one spot for too long and being distracted during class made sense now.

The “plandemic”, as Jim calls it, was difficult for the first few months because he is socially involved with his church and he missed having his sons visit and share laughs and hugs. Jim believes that each of us is living our perfect life because God’s will is done in each of our lives. He has a warning for the next generation. He encourages support for organizations and political parties that promote freedom and liberty to all. One must avoid anything that is totalitarian in nature, such as Communism or Marxism.

Having the freedom to move about, watching his sons interact in love and share his love of nature is paramount to Jim’s healthy well-being.

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Seniors

Heart of Gold Donna Thompson

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arried to Jim for 42 years, Donna learned how to say “I love you” and shared in the raising of their four sons.

She was born on January 21, 1948 in Prince George, British Columbia but moved to Calgary at six months. Her first memory was sticking a copper wire into an electric outlet. It was quite a shock. Another memory she has was riding her threewheeled bike. She could race down an inclined part of the sidewalk and then slam on her brakes. Naturally, she flew over the handlebars and hit her head.

Donna was a shy girl, but knew that she had some mischievousness in her. Her family life was happy and even though her younger sister was considered “smarter” than she was, Donna was gifted as a piano player. Her mother played the piano/organ and her dad played the violin in the orchestra. When Donna was old enough to play the piano in the or-

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chestra, she had a crush on the conductor. She recalls one time when he told her to play louder. He was sitting on the piano bench next to her and she was swooning over him and found it difficult to concentrate.

School was difficult for her, but she loved observing others and working independently. Donna attended university and started in nursing but never completed the courses. During her post secondary schooling, she had 28 different roommates and Donna’s learning took on a different turn.

She learned how to clean and cook; something she hadn’t done growing up. One of her summer jobs was doing secretarial work which afforded her the opportunity to work in Germany for two years. She remembers flying on Ward Air to London and then to Frankfurt, Germany for $250. She didn’t know the language, but what helped her survive her time there was her sense of humour, which she has to this day.

Donna and Jim met at a singles Seniors — Winter 2021

ward group at the church. She caught his eye because she was so gorgeous and was playing the piano with such ease. The two of them loved the youth and even to this day, they love spending time with their kids and grandchildren. Donna is also a beautiful soul who loves helping the neighbors, serving in the church and going out of her way to make others welcome. She does get teary and is sensitive and emotional when certain topics are mentioned or discussed.

The pandemic was not so difficult for Donna as she says that she’s a bit of an introvert, so being alone was fine. She’s always enjoyed working alone. At one time, she thought she might be a lab technician because you could work in the lab by yourself and they would give step by step instructions; something she would have loved to have when she was living with her roommates and learning how to scrub the bathroom.

Donna’s advice is spiritual. All of us on earth have been given a package of experiences that come to life as we live it. We have our sorrows and happiness, but we are taught and learn from all of those experiences.

We have to have faith to get through many things in life and we need to be grateful and appreciate each day, each breath we take when we get out of bed in the morning. We need to support and love our families and others to make this world a better place. The biggest change she sees in the world are all these people with tattoos. Even though she admits that she didn’t like her dad, Donna is the most loving and caring person any neighbor would want to have.

December, 2021

Adventurous Duo Ralph and Susan Keith

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alph and Susan still have their British accents, but their hearts are definitely Canadian.

When they applied to immigrate to Canada and Australia, the decision was in their favor when Canada accepted them and their young son.

Another son and daughter would add to their family over the years and now they have grandchildren. There were no relatives back then to rely on when they first moved because their family was still in England and so their neighbors and community helped them raise their children.

As children themselves, they have memories of growing up and attending school. Kids had much more freedom then and parents didn’t worry as much because they were busy working. Both Ralph and Susan grew up in an industrial town in England.

There were days when the coal fires spewed smog into the air and one could hardly see a hand in front of the face. When the Clean Air Act came into being in the 1950’s, it improved people’s health and lives. The two of them knew each other in school, but it wasn’t until they entered Tech

The best advice they took and offered to others is to live within your means and get out of debt, so you can afford the adventures you wish to embark upon when you retire. school that they started a relationship. They would head to the dance halls in their canvas-like school uniforms and spend their 2 hour lunch breaks dancing; something they both still love to do.

As a youngster, Ralph remembers crawling after his older brother and Susan’s first memories are of ostracizing her younger sister until they were in their later teens. Susan loved going as a family with the neighbors to the seaside, which was 86 miles from the town on the bus and train. One time, she was left at the station and the master transported her to the next station to catch up with the rest of the family group. Ralph was more adventurous and enjoyed hiking in Wales and Scotland and the green hills and valleys. The two of them are born in the mid to late 40’s on the same day but 11 months apart, so they get to be the same age for one month a year.

Being the planner and adventurer, Ralph took a sabbatical from the poSeniors — Winter 2021

lice force one year and hung up his part-time electrician belt to take Susan and their 3 kids on an adventure in Europe. They bought a Volkswagen camper and had many adventures, including the day they had almost run out of gas and needed money in France. Susan dropped Ralph at the bank, but a policeman insisted she “move along” which she did.

She eventually got lost and a kind stranger guided her and eventually located Ralph for her. From the kindness of strangers in Turkey to the pickleball community in Mexico, Ralph and Susan have amassed a wide and diverse group of friends throughout the world.

They love to travel and missed it during the pandemic. Keeping busy with walking, gardening, reading and doing their own thing, they look forward to their next trip. Susan retired 20 years ago from a 20 year career as secretary for the school division and Ralph hung up his badge and belt as well. The best advice they took and offered to others is to live within your means and get out of debt, so you can afford the adventures you wish to embark upon when you retire. Bon Voyage!

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LIfe to the Full Ellen Nelson

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llen loves life and it loves her right back! This amazing, energetic woman’s philosophy is to just “go with the flow” and she certainly does!

If she isn’t out mowing her lawn or tinkering in her garden, visiting her elderly neighbor across the street, she is driving to one of her chemo treatments at the hospital. She celebrated her 90th birthday in November.

Ellen grew up in Duchess in a home of 7 children in the 1930’s. If she or her siblings got into trouble, there was the strap. As a child, she played “Run sheep, Run!”, basketball and hopscotch. She swam in the canal in the summer, skated in the winter and skipped and rode her bike for entertainment. She attended a 3-room school house until grade 9, when she was transferred to Brooks high school for her schooling. In the fall, Ellen was one of many children who picked potatoes and missed a month of school.

The family was also busy with canning

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and harvesting the large gardens that would sustain them for the winter.

Ellen and her husband had two children – a boy and a girl. She said that “you just know when you are in love.”

They had lots of moves in their marriage depending on her husband’s jobs, but she loved meeting new people. She did end up working in a bank and was in charge of the tellers when her kids were older. Her husband and son have since passed on, but she is thankful that they did not have to go through this whole pandemic. Her daughter and son-in-law live in Arkansas but years ago they were able to go to Italy together. It was one of the highlights of Ellen’s life as she was able to see where her dad was raised and enjoy so many aspects of her heritage.

The pandemic didn’t affect Ellen too much. She continued visiting her neighbors and she was used to being alone. She just “went along” with whatever was happening but she still Seniors — Winter 2021

has some questions about the whole thing. “When you are younger, you don’t really pay attention” but now she is coming to terms with the fact that she may have to give up her driver’s license. Ellen enjoys looking after herself, her home and is aging gracefully with the odd fall. She enjoys socializing and stays in touch with friends she met while working.

If there were 3 things that Ellen would wish for, they would be that she lives to be 100. She is certainly on the right path by being so active! Secondly, she wishes that her family lived closer. She still has a 94 year-old sister who lives in Brooks. And lastly, she wishes that this COVID would end.

Back in the day, you just “made do” with things. From making mud pies to skipping rope, Ellen now paints her fence and keeps busy with life. She inspires many of us to live life to the fullest.

December, 2021

Positive Vibes Elna Bitu

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met Elna years ago through a mutual friend; both with hearts of gold. Her beautiful Trini accent and loving nature captured her reserved, yet brave disposition. Elna has been through much, but still has a passion for what she does.

Elna’s business of 15 years was closed for close to seven weeks starting in March of 2020 when the pandemic affected everyone. Even though we went into lockdowns, that didn’t deter this amazingly, resilient Canadian Caribbean woman. Within two hours of the news, countless emails and a concerned daycare owner, Elna took 6 of those children from the Daycare into her home and the next morning, she assisted parents who had to go to work.

Born in Tobago, 66 years ago on the last day of the year, Elna is the eldest of 5 children born into a loving family. Her mother and grandmother, aunts and grandfather were there to support her. She has wonderful memories growing up in Arouca, Trinidad.

She loved going to sit on the beach or going to the various bazaar booths.

There were parties, baking sweet bread and cooking saltfish under her grandmother’s influence. She felt

Be whatever you want to be by doing something for the community, country and others, you will achieve much. very loved by her extended family.

She now bestows that same love on her two grandchildren, ages 5 and 8.

The hardest part of the pandemic was not being able to hug and be with them. Her son-in-law finally drove the children to her house one day.

The kids had to stay in the car and they talked through the open window. Elna still has the video of them waving goodbye to her on her phone.

When restrictions finally were lifted, they were back in her Daycare, like the other children. Not only did she miss having the children come over, but she missed walking in the mall and stopping for a cup of tea.

Elna attributes her passion for early childhood care at the daycare to her being the eldest and caring for her cousins as they were growing up.

Her nickname was “Pinky” and she remembers the craziest thing she did Seniors — Winter 2021

on holidays in Tobago. The cousins were swinging from one coconut tree to another, so up she climbed, hung on and swung across showing that she wasn’t a coward at all!

Elna spent three years living with her cousin in New York in her twenties before coming to Winnipeg, Canada to finish her schooling. Eventually, she moved to Calgary and has owned her own Discovery daycare business for 15 years now. Elna believes that hardships build character. By overcoming various trials, walking with your head held high and respecting yourself and others, you can show leadership qualities. She loves her staff and they portray the good values Elna learned as a child from her mother. All the children are beautiful and her and her staff love them like family members.

If Elna were to impart words of wisdom to others, she would tell them to be whatever they want to be. By doing something for the community, country and others, you will achieve much. Elna epitomizes this in her life by continually striving to be a positive role model.

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Wise Words

Norman Quantz

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s the author of two books, Norm is a man of many words. As he sorts through his grandfather’s journals, he is intrigued by the resiliency of his ancestors and wishes to impart much wisdom to his grandchildren or the next generation.

Norm graduated with his Masters in Counselling, completing a career of helping people that has been deeply satisfying. His grade 11 dream was at times tense and complicated, but he has learned about life from other situations and much hard work.

Born on May 27, 1948, Norm’s favorite memories were from his teen years when he would take yearly trips from Alberta to the Okanagan to visit cousins and bring back fruit.

Another summer trip memory was

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traveling with a friend to southern Alberta where he spent time water skiing for the first time and going to an outdoor music concert. They were both on break from work and he remembers being relaxed and happy. He loved the freedom and beauty of our province.

Based on evidence from people with expertise in matters of health and disease, early projections of the spread of the virus and keeping compromised people safe, Norm made personal changes during the pandemic. Even though he is a social person, he reduced personal contact, wore a mask and social distanced. He also tried to minimize information from social media. From his counselling career and first-hand knowledge of sacrifices made by medical professionals, it helped him navigate the changes that have ocSeniors — Winter 2021

curred in the past 20 months The biggest change Norm sees is how life has become more complicated from when he was growing up.

People can now express opinions, ideas and thoughts through the use of technology and get world-wide exposure. People wrestle with a million ideas and yet thinking can force them to be “narrow-minded.”

Norm has much wisdom to share with the next generation from personal to financial advice. First of all, he believes that one should learn to finish what you start. If it’s not worth it, then don’t start it and if you do fail to finish, don’t punish yourself; learn from it. Secondly, he knows that we have to learn to initiate change by following the evidence and responding to that change sooner than later. As one gets older, he or she discovers that life is more complex. This is certainly true of today’s world. Thirdly, Norm understands that we need to learn from others, know when and why our personal power changes and learn the difference between prescriptive and descriptive in life situations.

Everyone’s situation is unique and one has to discern those differences of what is best in the long run. Lastly, Norm offers financial advice by saying that qualifying for a bank loan is more about wants, needs and affordability.

When you start borrowing, you will be paying interest on borrowing for your lifetime.

Even though Norm is retired, he still imparts wisdom and counsels others on many matters pertaining to life and decisions. Norm’s greatest decision will be which club to use on the golf course these days as he enjoys his retirement.

December, 2021

Life-long Learner Gordon Friedrick

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ordon’s eldest grandson just completed his Master’s Thesis and wrote a dedication to his grandfather, whom he referred to as a lifelong learner. Born on September 20, 1926, Gordon, at the age of 95, is still curious about the world. In 2017, he was the oldest living member of the International Wood Collectors Society and was known as “Mr. Tree Man” for his work with the Living Legacy Program donating Colorado Blue Spruce trees for 15 years to school children.

Born on his parent’s homestead farm, he continued to live there until age 92. During that time, he attended one year of Agricultural School at the University of Saskatchewan but needed help on the farm and so he never completed a degree. That didn’t stop Gordon from pursuing a life of learning. Not only did he labour on the farm, but worked other jobs including working in the Rural Telephone Company as a repairman. He loved trees, wood, cooking and became an instructor at Lakeland College in his 40’s and 50’s. He loved collecting an-

tiques, travelling, bird watching and photography. Gordon loves trees and everything to do with nature, especially making a sanctuary for birds.

Later in life, as his mobility decreased, he took up writing cookbooks, testing recipes and trying to replicate his mother’s cooking.

What kept Gordon young all those years was keeping busy. He had more hobbies than most people and he enjoyed each one of them. After he moved to the border town of Lloydminster in his 90’s, he called his daughter one day to see where would be the best place to buy peaches. He needed to get some as he had just baked some bread and wanted some peach jam. He was going to make some from scratch!

His favorite memories about growing up included his first toy which was a wooden wagon, playing “Aunty I Over” with the softball thrown over the barn, and starting school only speaking German. There were plenty of Halloween pranks over the years.

Some of them included mailboxes in the middle of the road, helping try to find the pigs that got let out, driving with soaped up windows on the car and firing shots into the air to scare Seniors — Winter 2021

off pranksters.

Gordon lived through floods, Devil Dusters, WWII, stone boats, prairie fires, drought and party-line phones.

He farmed acres of land, hunted ducks, deer and coyotes. His first job was helping with the hay for 50 cents a day. Later he would work 9 hour days for a dollar.

Gordon finished high school in 1944, even though he missed many days due to farming. His father decided that was enough education and even when he got accepted into the RCMP program, his father once again decided that Gordon and his brother needed to take over the family farm.

Gordon, his father and brothers all married women with the name “Dorothy.”

Gordon loved “Dixieland music”. He also loved his wife and married her in Calgary in 1961 and their daughter Donalda was born in 1964. Gordon has seen much change in his lifetime and says there is so much to remember. He reveals that he didn’t think he would live this long, but his advice to others is to live life to the fullest because when you are older, when you are not as mobile, you will be able to sit and recall all the wonderful times you experienced over a life-time.

Gordon passed away peacefully this month with his daughter by his side. He was 97.

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Seniors

A Life of Thanks Stuart Ledlie Munro

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ears ago, in the Last Herald Road Race in Calgary, Alberta, Stu’s competitor remarked that if he wouldn’t have happened to glance back and see Stu, he wouldn’t have won the race. Stu is always keeping others on their toes. Born on November 17, 1929, he has seen so many changes, experienced so much in his lifetime and is alive and well to share his stories.

Stu grew up in a loving family with two other brothers. His mother was Methodist and instilled religion in their lives. Stu recalls that she was a hardworking woman. He remembers that when the boys would fight, she would simply tell them that she was going for a walk. That’s how she handled the situation. Stu’s father passed away in his 50’s and so his mother managed the home. He revealed that he was a quiet child and didn’t get into too much mischief.

Even though Stu was small for his age that did not deter him from com-

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peting athletically and scholastically.

He played baseball, basketball and hockey and has many fond memories of friends he made through sport.

Stu is also very knowledgeable about many subjects and even though he found university challenging, he realizes the value of hard work.

From his job as a pharmacist, to becoming a United Church minister, Stu always thanks God for the rewarding things in life and knows that the benefits of having God in your life are important. He met his wife, Helen when he was a student minister in a small town. His mother-in-law was a good cook and he liked being invited for dinner. He was also an excellent dancer and enjoyed the weekend dances.

He and Helen had three daughters.

The middle daughter, Sue, now takes care of him in her home and he values her organization and care. The pandemic did affect the two of them, but they got their shots and if they ask him at his triweekly kidney dialySeniors — Winter 2021

sis appointments, he will get the third one. He doesn’t care to get sick with the Delta variant.

Raising the daughters was relatively easy for Stu. He worked on oil changes in the driveway and his wife was in charge of the girls. A few of their trips to California were interesting. Stu recalls one time when they drove all night through the Nevada desert. The next morning, the gas attendant told them that was an excellent choice if they didn’t have air conditioning. Their Ford Fairlane got them to where they needed to go and they only had to change out one tire.

Stu’s advice to his grandsons or the younger generation would be “Don’t be too proud. Life can turn around pretty quick.” Even though he has lost many friends and has almost lived a decade, Stu is still living each day in gratitude. He believes that God only asked one thing of him and that was to be thankful for everything and he lets God know that every day.

December, 2021

Forever Young Gillian Worsnop

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illian was and continues to be an inquisitive, energetic and social being.

She loves the open country of Canada, the vast number of experiences growing up and wants to live forever.

It was a much gentler world growing up in England and even though she lived through WWII, Gillian still found excitement, beauty and thrills during that time.

At the age of 86, Gillian enjoys living alone but finds time to socialize and maintain friendships. Her daily walks and love for keeping fit even had a woman recognize her on one of her trips to Belize when the lady asked her, “aren’t you the walking lady from High River?” She loves her early morning walks in the summer and after having open heart surgery years ago to replace a valve, she is able to go long distances.

Her love of nature started at an early age when the family would visit her grandparent’s acreage in the country by the sea in England. She was a bit of a tomboy and loved to climb trees in the orchard for apples. She and her younger brother were evac-

uated to the country to stay with a woman who had no children during WWII. Her mother was working for the WRNS (Women’s Royal Service) and her father was a marine on a battleship. Her older brother went to live with their grandmother. Gillian remembers that her mother would come to visit when she could, but was appalled at Gillian’s hair cut and eventually the children left to live with her in the countryside. They would go on picnics and explore caves, but the most exciting was watching the dooley bugs or “buzz bombs” that the Germans dropped very near their home. They would stand on the bunker and be thrilled at these weapons of war much to their mother’s horror.

Gillian was a nervous teenager but at the age of 16, was living in a female hostel in England and was traveling with a tour group. She felt she was more interested in the boys, than a scholarly education. She did some blue light posing and danced, sang and acted in the Reviews of that day.

When she turned 20, she emigrated to Canada and married Michael. Their marriage lasted 50 years and after

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The world would be a better place if we would just love one another and care for others. raising five children, Gillian now has many grand and great grandchildren.

A fond memory is having one of her granddaughters brush out her hair when she would babysit.

Gillian loves the comfort of her home and relishes the idea of having a “living apart together” relationship and going for lunch or outings together. She has had many romances in her lifetime and considers herself a bit of a flirt. From running sterilized surgical instruments at the hospital to being the hostess at the Calgary Tower, she believes that the world would be a better place if we would just love one another and care for others. Gillian’s ultimate dream is to live in a little house with a beautiful garden. She prays her mind will stay strong because you can always adapt to circumstances. Life is for living and Gillian does just that!

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Seniors

A Need to Read

Judy Nielsen

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udy has a “woman’s way of knowing.” She is one of a diverse group of women who is still discovering her identity as a mother, grandmother and wife while pursuing her intellectual prowess. Judy’s passion for the need for children to read and her ability to make learning fun, enabled her to have a very successful career as a teacher. Driven by an insatiable drive, which she attributes to her father’s need to keep working, she went on from a Bachelor of Education to pursue a Masters and finally obtain a PhD. Growing up with her brother in Alberta, Judy remembers the summers of simplicity. Going to the cabin at the lake, riding in the stand-up boat and driving the Jeep are fond memories of those days. Her brother went on to be a successful man but Judy pursued the field of education. Working in Edmonton, High Level and Blackie, she

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ended her career in southern Alberta spending 30 years at an elementary school in High River. In her early 50’s she ventured back to the University of Alberta, riding the bus on Sunday to visit her mother, attending school on Monday, returning to work for the remainder of the week and doing her homework on Saturday.

Judy’s dream is to have children taught to read and put methods and multiple intelligences into practice.

She recalls a time when she took the drudgery of learning to make it fun.

As she was helping a student make brain connections and problem solve, she resorted to crawling out the classroom window. When she attempted to get back into the school, she discovered she was locked out, much to the delight of her student. She had dreams of continuing her work after retirement; however, life got in the way.

Her and her husband still enjoy spending time at their house in the

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Okanagan and have had to shift their focus of retirement because of choices beyond their control. They dearly love their 3 grandchildren and are a close family unit.

Judy believes that young families and youth today, especially during the pandemic have been impacted.

COVID has destroyed homes and lives, especially during children’s formative years leaving gaps in their education.

Adding to social distancing both geographically and physically, people have been unable to socialize and are searching for coping strategies. Finding a spiritual connection is something she is striving for and continuing to develop.

Between the flood of 2013, being a caring mother to her two daughters and their families, driven by her need to never stop, Judy continues to be a caregiver. Her doctorate work was researching the shift in identity as a teacher and at the age of 75, she is certainly living her thesis.

December, 2021

World Traveller Lois Harquail Lois has lived all over the world and despite the world experiencing a myriad of challenges, she continues to be optimistic, creative and social. If she isn’t driving out of town to her TOP’s meeting, a group that she founded many years ago, she is flying to Ottawa to visit family. Because her husband was in the military, Lois spent much of her life living in various countries and seeing the world.

Lois spent the first of her 82 years in Ontario, the fifth of eleven children.

Coming from a large family, enabled her to understand hard work growing up on their farm. Picking raspberries and strawberries, doing chores and caring for the cattle, pigs and horses, canning vegetables kept her busy but there was always time for baseball and games in the summer and tobogganing and skating in the winter. To this day, Lois loves to make preserves like dill pickles and carrots, zucchini relish and various jellies.

Lois remembers ration cards from the war, but she was young and it wouldn’t be until later in her life that

she would work for the National Department of Defense. This is where she met her husband. From her office desk, she could see the various soldiers doing their drills, but it was spelling his name wrong – a “g” instead of a “q” on one of the Part orders that got them talking. From there it led to dates and dances and a marriage of four children – 2 daughters and 2 sons. During their time in Germany, Lois loved the experiences and people she met.

One memorable experience was connecting with a pen pal from Holland after Lois’ letter was finally delivered in a roundabout way through a postmaster and her friend’s brother.

She keeps in touch with many friends and stays connected to her siblings in Ontario. She loves her family and cherished the memories of working as a custodian and secretary for the school division. She also chuckled when the grandkids would visit and were instructed not to have any candy. That didn’t dissuade them from quietly lifting the candy jar. She alSeniors — Winter 2021

ways knew they were in there though, because it was putting the lid back on that made all the noise.

During the pandemic, Lois kept in touch with others by phoning others.

She also read a lot and loved crocheting 11 afghans for her grandchildren.

She also made lap blankets for people at the hospital. Other projects she has done are going through her photos and making photo albums for her grown kids and grandchildren. She gave her kids cassettes and albums at Christmas when they were all together.

One huge change she has noticed in her years is that young people just don’t understand the importance of socializing. They should listen to their elders more, as it seems they do not have as much respect for them. There is wisdom to impart and they are not listening because they are immersed in their phones. Lois’ advice is to put down the phones and have a face-toface conversation! I am thankful I was able to do just that with her!

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Seniors

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LCCMedia Foundation Drawing Sessions LCCMedia Foundation was funded

by New Horizons Seniors to provide drawing and painting classes and to create conversations around the effect of isolation in the pandemic.

We had 15 weeks of drawing sessions facilitated by senior Eritrean artist Fetsum Teclemariam. Fetsum is a talented artist who has been celebrated across Alberta. He describes his paintings as visual proverbs. His desire is to be able to teach generations how to use figure, still life objects and landscapes as a means of self-expression.

According to his website, he communicates the cultural heritage and emotions of the places he has been and the experience of Canadian culture. An extremely talented teacher, Fetsum was able to work with our seniors virtually teaching them how to draw landscapes, animals and still life objects.

Here are some of the images drawn by the seniors who attended the sessions:

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December, 2021

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1. Drawing of still life objects 2. Teacher of the class: Fetsum Teclemariam 3. Drawing of animal 4. Still drawing of trees 5. Painting of trees by Senior Corona Leonard 6. Pencil drawing of a face by Senior Corona Leonard 7. Drawing of landscapes and a still life object 8. Drawing of a rat 9. Drawing of a landscape with streetlights

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Seniors

Road to Recovery Syde Kidwai

Syde was born with a “silver spoon in his mouth”; pampered by servants, attending private schools and being loved by an extended family, that all came crashing down when his father passed away. Syde’s world changed forever. Family finances dwindled and he being the eldest in a family of 5, forced him to leave Pakistan and find meaningful work. As an economic refugee at the age of 16, he knows what it is like to overcome obstacles in life. He is presently recovering from a stroke that left him helpless. He was unable to eat, swallow or see but he is now relearning how to walk. It has been a long journey, but his story began many years ago from where he is today at 70 years of age.

With 300 rupees his mother had given him, Syde boarded a bus with five others. They were told to dress well and take a suitcase. In the middle of the night on a deserted highway, the bus broke down. Over the course of weeks, Syde and his group traveled to Kabul, Istanbul, Iraq and eventually managed to get to Germany via buses and trains but their funds were depleted. There were many days with little food, sleeping on park benches in the cold and little work. Thankfully there were compassionate bosses that spoke a little English.

Syde remembers one time when he was finally chosen to work. He was a tall, skinny young man and able

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to work at the vegetable and fruit market. He had to load onions that weighed 50 pounds – half his body weight. There were other manual labour jobs, and he eventually made some money that he used to buy food to help feed others who were in the same situation he was in – a generous spirit.

Generosity was what endeared him to his wife. When he was 34 years old he knew she was the woman for him.

After taking her on a tour of Banff, she asked him if she could give money to a homeless man. That’s when he knew she was for him. After an arranged, chaperoned date, a marriage and two sons, they have been together for 36 years now.

Syde is sorry for the young people during this pandemic. He talks with the nurses at his recovery centre and knows they have a special heart for dealing with patients. He is sad that he cannot do many of the things he used to do, but he tries to keep a positive outlook. Syde is a successful business man who has always been motivated to work hard. He is known for his generosity in the community and from his past experiences, he is determined to succeed. He tells me he has a soft spot for refugees. He will continue to receive therapy to improve his health and once again get back on his feet. Many wish him well.

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December, 2021

Sunny Dabbler Joanne Erickson

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aking a difference in the world through volunteering has been and continues to be Joanne’s passion. From working in the hospital with Healthy Moms and Babes teaching them budgeting to instructing teenagers to become cultured young adults through a Spring Ball program where high school students were taught manners and etiquette; Joanne enjoys helping others.

When she was in her 60’s, Joanne ventured to Tijuana, Mexico with a group of volunteers to help build houses.

Her experience exceeded her expectations and she fondly remembers her encounter with a lovely cook.

Through an interpreter, Joanne learned that this woman had cooked chicken mole to perfection and when Joanne had praised her for her amazing cooking skills, the woman offered her a bowl she had used to cook.

When Joanne wanted to refuse, she was told that would be an insult to the woman, so Joanne chose to take a small bowl back to Canada with her.

Now she is reminded of her experience whenever she uses it to serve food. The generous gift showed the culture of giving and Joanne wants to exemplify that in her own life.

Growing up on a farm in the 1950’s, but going to school in the city enabled Joanne to be both city slicker and country girl at the same time.

She and her 3 sisters had chores to do and she remembers her mother cooking and canning. As a teen, Joanne was shy. She was afraid of drugs and didn’t like all the drinking that went on. Her parents owned a cottage in the Sushwap Lake region and she enjoyed her time there. She also remembers a few encounters on dates at the Drive-In in the summertime.

Joanne calls herself a “dabbler” because she has such an interest and ability in a variety of things. From weaving, calligraphy and oil and water color painting to making table runners, wall hangings and bookkeeping, Joanne loves little projects.

She attended SAIT and took Merchandise Administration so she even dabbled in numbers. During COVID, she thought she would get lots of proSeniors — Winter 2021

jects done, but she missed her friends, didn’t accomplish too much, but relied on her faith to see her through being alone.

Joanne married her high school hockey player sweetheart and they had two sons. Her son once told her that he wished his parents had taught them more about finances and Joanne wishes that young people today would know more about budgeting. Staying off technology, showing respect and acknowledging others are also skills young people need to learn to build resiliency. She hopes her 6 grandchildren will learn those lessons as they grow.

Being humble is a positive attribute in Joanne’s books. Suppressing one’s ego and not worrying about notoriety, not idolizing others because they are humans like the rest of us would also help the world. She wishes people were less greedy for money and attention. Joanne’s legacy she would leave the world, is a sunnier, happier place filled with kindness, laughter and acceptance. She certainly displays all of these.

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Seniors

A Success Story Mary Ann Reeves

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ary Ann has had many pivotal moments in her almost 80 years of life. From a young baby carried in a basket over the border from St. Paul, Minnesota by her mother when she was 6 weeks old to working for the National Coaching Association, Mary Ann has traveled the world for business and pleasure. Her sense of competition keeps her ever searching for something else to accomplish. By setting her goals with positive thinking, she has accomplished much. She was a forerunner of her time.

Spending her summers in Waterton, Canada and then returning to school in the States felt like a dual life. She could tell many stories of the fun she had in those glorious summer days but her “jumping off” moment from the bridge near the border that symbolized the turning page in her life was choosing not to return to the University of Minnesota and eventually marrying her now husband of 56 years, Barney. The two of them met at the Prince of Wales hotel. He had a car. There was a party and neither of them had a date. That was their beginning. His family was in the tourist industry, but Mary Ann had other aspirations.

Moving on from a job as a librarian in Edmonton, she was interested in teaching swimming and synchronized swimming at the YWCA and was inspired to implement awards, a water show and competitions. This led to her becoming the Aquatic Director at the University of Calgary where she formed the Aquabelles.

After numerous morning and evening training sessions, the club went on to

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win various competitions. With her background in synchro and dance, she was a perfect fit as coach pursuing excellence for the team at the Pan Am Games and eventually winning the silver in Yugoslavia in 1972 for Synchronized Swimming. Representing Canada in the International Sport arena was no small feat. Three years later, their daughter, Anne was born and life changed yet again.

Just as her life changed, so did water sports and her attitude of healing toward her mother. Mary Ann’s love of learning kept her on the continuum of education, coaching and different job titles. She maintained her commitment to Synchronized swimming and was part of the National Team, National Coaching Association and National Coaching Institute. During that time, there were two major events that left her as a victim in the world of sport. This did not deter Mary Ann from continuing to nourish her competitiveness.

In the early 90’s, she left Synchro Canada which had moved to the Olympic level and became involved in the community at Waterton. She took Yoga classes to become a certified instructor, offering classes to willing participants. Mary Ann is also an avid reader and is involved in book clubs.

Her skill set and her being at the right place at the right time, allowed her to follow her dreams. Her advice to others is to do a job well by collaborating with others, gaining knowledge and getting an education. Her positive thinking, inquisitiveness and passion for Synchronized Swimming has put her on the podium of success. We wonder what new activity she will be involved in next!

Endless Educator

December, 2021

Janice Ottewell

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hat if she had stayed at university to study history or gone to Europe instead of staying with her boyfriend? What if she had written a best-selling book? What if she knew then what she knows now? These are all questions that Janice asks herself. She knows that she followed her mother’s advice to “never marry a musician” but she often wonders if she would have led a different life if she would have followed her dream of being an archeologist or a nurse. At a career fair, she decided that a teaching career was worth pursuing at the University of Calgary. Janice has and still is curiously interested in learning.

Her love for reading and interest in history has never waned.

As a child, Janice was studious and compliant. The only occasion she can recall was when she was spanked for jumping into the Christmas tree when her parents had guests over. She and her older brother had a stable

childhood and when she “aced” her departmental exams in Grade 9, her parents purchased a sewing machine for her. Walking down to Woolworth’s for glazed donuts and egg salad sandwiches, biking around Calgary, playing “kick the can” in the neighborhood and “calling on” or visiting neighbors was “normal.” Life was easier for parents when kids walked to school and went to church on Sundays. The family would take holidays in the summer to the States to buy clothes for school and enjoy the Ding Dongs and bring back Mrs. Butterworth pancake syrup.

Those were carefree days. Calgary always felt like home and will be soon again. Janice still has friends from childhood there.

Janice eventually married at the young age of 20 and in 1978 they moved to “hick town” High River.

Janice continued to commute to the city when the last set of lights was at Southland Drive. They raised their daughter and son for some years, until Janice became a single mother.

She was thankful for an education and a decent job. Her parents were

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also living there to help support her.

Her mental strength and positive thinking helped her through some difficult years after she and her husband split up.

At 68 years of age, Janice has always been intrigued by the mystery of life as it plays out. She eventually remarried but has recently become a widow one month after COVID. She felt alone and isolated but has since reignited her love for teaching by continuing to guest teach once again. Graduation is a nostalgic time as she sees these young people, untouched by the vastitudes of life, ready to go out into the world. Her advice to the next generation is to get an education.

Janice’s most treasured moment is becoming a grandmother and spending time with her daughter and son and their families. She loves watching TV series, movies and reading and art; among her favorites are Princess Bride and Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. Janice continues to be awe of the path that life leads her down and will soon discover another fork in the road. Perhaps obtaining her PhD is next.

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Seniors

Teacher Time Sylvia Moore

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ylvia still smiles as her former students recognize her after many years of retirement.

Passionate about teaching in the classroom, she is now involved with learning in the wide world around her.

Growing up on a mixed farm, Sylvia’s earliest memory is sitting on a gravel road picking weeds. She was the only person in her grade and she and her brother would walk to school but when the weather was inclement, her dad would pull out the cutter and horse and give them a ride to school.

Unfortunately, the farm was let go and the family moved to Calgary. This was a culture shock for Sylvia because her first year was adjusting to being a grade 8 student. She went from quiet and calm to survival mode.

Sylvia’s now 100-year-old mother was also a teacher. There were chores to do growing up but the highlight of the week was taking her brother and sister by bus in the afternoon to the Palace Theatre. She was given 25 cents an hour to babysit. She was a conscientious student and decided that after finishing school, she could

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either become a nurse or a teacher. Becoming an educator offered her a multitude of experiences from teaching grade 4 in an open concept classroom as a team teacher to ordering calf embryos preserved in formaldehyde for the class to study. Those were “cutting edges in education” in those days.

These days, Sylvia still enjoys gardening, crocheting and knitting and now leading seniors. She and her former husband spent time travelling as far south as Chili and the Falkland Islands, her favorite places and to Norway and Iceland to visit relatives.

Seeing the world from other people’s perspective and exploring cultures provided cherished memories for her.

When they were in Panama, she noticed the simplicity of life in a native village they toured and when it was too wet to venture up to Machu Pechu, a girlfriend lined up a tour of a chicken ranch instead. Off the beaten path, they discovered Pyramids just like the Egyptian monuments in the desert. Now retirement and being almost 75 years old, has slowed her down.

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There was a time when Sylvia was involved in so many community activities. She taught young moms at Time Out, helped with Activettes, and fundraised for the Rec Plex in town. She believes in rolling with the changes and has learned through this whole pandemic that one needs to take time and not rush expectations. Technology has changed our lives, but we can get through and overcome our circumstances when we rely on family and friends.

Even though her knees have given way, Sylvia still finds time to spend with her grandchildren. The youngest is 10 and the oldest is 22, a food engineer at university. Sylvia didn’t have as many of those choices growing up, but her education and background afford her the opportunity now to make a quilt for each grandchild to give when they get married. Her advice to them and others is to realize that music is very calming and she is now taking ukulele lessons and having fun still involved in learning.

December, 2021

Walk of Faith Doreen Acton

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oreen sees the beauty of life through the multiple experiences she has lived.

The gorgeous paintings she has displayed on the walls in her home shows her talent as an artist through her watercolors, oils and acrylic works. Her daily walks keep her healthy physically and her spiritual walk with the Lord keeps her grounded.

As a little girl, Doreen’s first memory is of her grandparents who had an impact on her life. She recalls being dressed in a double-breasted red jacket picking blueberries with them and riding with them in a boat off the coast of Newfoundland where she grew up. Family meant and still does mean everything to Doreen. As a middle child with several siblings, Doreen’s mother was the rock of their family because her father was often out to sea. She instilled Christian values in the lives of all her children.

Doreen was a shy “corner girl” who took piano lessons but wondered how long she would have to keep

taking them. She regrets that her mother allowed her to quit. She also went to Sunday School, belonged to the choir and a group called CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training). Doreen also cared for her siblings and her mother called her “little rock” because she was so dependable. Vacations were with relatives and extended families; picnics and fond memories.

When Doreen entered university, it changed her life and altered her beliefs. She originally had hopes of becoming a doctor and she was accepted to Med School; however, she ended up working as a technologist for AHS for 35 years looking through microscopes screening for cancer, researching, teaching and mentoring others. She has since retired and is happily married. They love their little dog, Murphy and he keeps them fit.

Doreen takes time to do her crafts, curl and line-dance. The couple also started a Christian hiking group that met every Saturday. They aren’t climbing as many mountains, but Doreen is accepting each season of her life and knows there is a time for

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everything.

The couple have traveled to Japan, gone on cruises, been to Great Britain, but have led a quieter life since the pandemic. Doreen advises others not to be fearful. She compares it to driving. When you get in your car, you can control and maintain your vehicle, but you can’t with other drivers; however, you know there are risks, but you don’t quit driving.

Her advice to parents is to let their children experience struggles and continue praying for them. Doreen believes that without God, we are powerless. She continues to be a mentor to others because of what encounters she struggled through. She feels very blessed to live where she does and even though she may have been a bit rebellious in her previous years, she is thankful for her hardships that built her character and people’s prayers to bring her where she is today. In Doreen’s 75 years, she knows the power of prayer and she walks her faith daily.

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Seniors

Sunny Disposition Noel Checkley

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s a young boy, Noel never liked to be told what to do.

His wild and crazy attitude sometimes got him into trouble. For instance, he would leave home in San Fernando, Trinidad, West Indies and go by the sea jetty and hang out at the fish market. He would return home for lunch and a spanking. The fourth of 7 boys and 2 girls in the family, Noel attended school and played just about every sport. He recalls being hit in the nose playing cricket. He underwent surgery for his broken nose, but he had a high tolerance for pain. He was always getting cuts and bruises and they knew him well at the doctor office.

Noel was a teacher assistant but was often responsible for the entire class of 50 students. His job was to prepare students for common entrance exams and he was always dedicated to the profession of teaching. This included Saturday morning classes. Years later when he returned to Trinidad, students would remember him from former days in the classroom. Noel wanted to become a mechanical engineer and so he went to Technical College. There were no computers and they used log books and slide rulers for drafting. His schooling enabled him to find work as a machinist, an apprentice in the oil fields, and a technical illustrator. Years later he would work on software and create diagrams for a manual for a publication department in Montreal.

He came to Montreal from Trinidad to marry his fiancé in 1972. The couple eventually moved to Calgary and raised their three children; a boy and 2 girls. Noel is very proud of his children and grandchildren. You do everything you can for them, he says and even though disappointments happen in life, you know that they have good sense and can face life. A friend once asked him if his son was as crazy like he was. Noel’s answer was “no”. He advices parents to work with their children by keeping them busy and active so they won’t get into trouble. You can’t be too militant.

You have to be flexible.

Noel certainly displayed his flexibility when he arrived in Canada as a young, strong man. He arrived in the summer and a good thing because if it had been winter, he

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never would have stayed.

The propaganda seduced many from the Caribbean by stating that Canada offered a wonderful life.

Noel didn’t go out much during the pandemic and still doesn’t. Since a heart attack and his retirement in 2015, he prefers to stay home. Now that his wife is in a home for Alzheimer’s, he lives alone but he likes to stay up late watching late shows on television and getting up late. He

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loves his morning cup of coffee. Noel started playing the steel drums at the age of 10. He went on to teach the cultural music, but has put them away for a time when perhaps his grandson will want to learn them. Until then, he will enjoy his own cooking and dream of returning to his sunny island in the Caribbean one day.

December, 2021

A Musical Soul

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aughter is good medicine for the soul and that’s why Lorraine shares it with others. Born in Winnipeg in 1949, she was the baby of the family, being the 5th of 3 older sisters and a brother.

Lorraine’s two favorite memories that make her smile are from very different periods in her life. The first memory trigger is from a photo of herself at the age of 4 sitting on a bicycle with her hair in ringlets. She still has that original trike in her garage but her hair is much shorter! The second memory is when she started dancing with “4 left feet” and at the end of 5 classes, endless Foxtrots and waltzes, she floated like a cloud on the dance floor with the instructor who was smooth as syrup. It finally clicked she says.

As a student, Lorraine didn’t really like homework in school, until one day there was a 3-day storm and all she had to do was study. She paid attention to the little details and

Lorraine Nadeau

ended up with an 86% in algebra, her least favorite subject! Lorraine enjoys working alone but also spending time with her husband whom she has been with for 56 years. They have raised a son and a daughter and love their granddaughter dearly, nurturing her love of art and horses.

Lorraine’s natural inclination at the age of 10 was to become a nun, as she was influenced by her family of clergy.

She also sang in the church choir, listened to her mother and grandmother’s religious instruction and teachings and loved singing and playing the hymns. The youth of today lack that faith and respect, she believes.

There are so many opinions these days. Even the music is different.

Back in Lorraine’s years of growing up, there were the best of times and the worst of times, but there was music and dancing even during the war.

Lorraine learned compassion at an early age, when her brother developed polio. Thus, when she became a hospital volunteer and later paid Seniors — Winter 2021

employee at the hospital later in life, she wondered if that had been her first career calling. Instead, she did stenography work and has had fun travelling and living in many different places in Canada with her husband.

When they realized that the owner of the general store in Manitoba wasn’t going to sell, they moved to Alberta.

Lorraine is content being at home.

She enjoys watching movies, reading and is looking forward to a beautiful retirement with her husband. She has a few health issues, but manages to play the piano, do some pickling and gardening and generally balance her life. Her mother always told her that each time she tills the soil and gathers a handful of dirt, to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving. Lorraine does that each morning. Her generous, loving and positive aura are felt by all those who meet her.

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Seniors

A Snowbird Senora

Doris Jones

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oris remembers the day the doctor came to the house for the delivery of her mother’s 12th child.

At the age of 4, Doris was a rambunctious child and when the doctor shook her little shoulders and reprimanded her, she has never forgotten the moment when he asked her, “hasn’t your mother been through enough already?”

With 6 girls and 6 boys being raised in the city of Edmonton, Doris’ father managed a business as a tinsmith and roofer but when the Great Depression arrived and he lost the business, he relocated the family to a farm near Vulcan.

Doris remembers the huge garden. Her father would run the tiller to unearth the vegetables and the children would gather the root crops, pile them into the hay wagon and put them in the root cellar to feed the family during the winter months.

There was also lots of canning and berry picking. Doris’ mother was quite frail and Doris was sent to live with her aunt and uncle. She wasn’t

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there long and returned to the farm to be with the family.

Doris was always small for her age and when she started grade 1, the teacher wouldn’t believe she was that old. Even though there was a curtain that separated the elementary from the high school students, Doris was the only grade 1’er until they brought in another little girl to join her. Doris remembers riding double with her younger brother on the horse to take them to school with their coffee can lunches. Eventually the family moved back to Edmonton after 10 years and she managed to “survive school” by playing sports. As a teen, she played basketball, curled, skied, golfed and was part of the teen club.

Doris’ first job was working for an insurance company writing policies.

Throughout her life, she worked only when she had to. She fell in love at 18 and was married at 21. The couple raised 2 daughters and they enjoyed family time at the Gull Lake cottage sailing, water-skiing and swimming.

They spent a few years in Montreal, but Doris didn’t find the people as Seniors — Winter 2021

friendly. She and her husband, ventured to Mexico when they drove down to Mazatlán with friends. By the time they were empty nesters, they finally bought a place and have spent the last 43 years off and on enjoying the sun. From adopting a pot-hole, donating to the humane society, golfing and playing cards, Doris still enjoys her time south of the border.

Doris also likes to read a fair amount.

During the pandemic, she missed human contact, visiting with her friends and live theatre. She finds that these days are getting people down. Even though she used to make clothes, knit and sew, she never got back into those interests during the lockdown.

Doris’ finds that the world has changed in her 92 years and she can’t keep up with all of it; especially things like Bitcoin. The next generation has so many opportunities that were not afforded her, but she advises youth to do something with your life. When she visits some of her friends in longterm-care facilities, she realizes that she has had a wonderful life and she continues to enjoy each day of it.

December, 2021

A Driving Force Ray Sampert

From a young boy riding the street cars along Jasper Avenue for a nickel to driving motorhomes across Canada with his wife, Ray has always been enthralled with cars and trucks. His love is still evident today from his time that he spends volunteering for the Antique Society in Leduc, Alberta and the fact that he still has his driver’s license at the age of 92.

A mischievous Ray and his younger sister grew up on a farm in northern Alberta. His grandparents immigrated from Russia and his father was one of 5 sons that inherited the land they settled on and made into their home.

Climbing trees, taking the horse cutter the one mile to school in the winter and doing chores on the mixed farm kept Ray busy. His main job was to take the milk from the cows and drop it off at the cheese factory in Bruderheim which played a vital role in the development of the community and surrounding farmers.

Ray was always fascinated by cars as his grandfather owned one in the early 1900’s. When the family moved into Edmonton and lived near Jasper Avenue, he would ride his bike around the paved roads. One day he saw an advertisement for a delivery boy and soon he was pedalling his way about the streets making money. Over the years, there were many jobs from helping at harvest with threshing and loading sacks of grain by hand at the farm. After his father’s passing, Ray kept his dad’s place and eventually built a home there with his wife. They stayed there 20 years.

Ray knew his wife for many years before they got married because their mothers were good friends. A month after they were married, Ray went to Peace River for work and she “held down the fort” in Edmonton. Eventually they bought and

managed a hotel in Big Valley. When Ray’s father passed away, they took in a little puppy, named him Snuffy and he became not only possessive of the bar space, but of his owners as well. Ray recalls one evening when he was dancing with a lady, other than his wife. Snuffy came over and nipped her in the heel and then left the dance floor. When the Health Inspectors came for a visit, they saw how the Shepherd-Lab cross temperament was suited to guarding the place and wasn’t a bother to the patrons.

The couple eventually sold the hotel and moved to Edson and managed a car wash. From there they went into the Mini Storage business. As a young man, Ray had many other adventures as well. His career working on tug boats, hauling freight across North America and moving rigs allowed him to see much of the country. When he lived in Peace River, he even acquired his pilot’s license. Other trips took the couple to Hawaii and throughout the States as they took in many truck shows. They would also fly to a destination and drive coaches and limos back to Alberta. They used these as holidays when they weren’t enjoying the sun in Hawaii or Mexico.

Ray has led a quiet life. He wishes he would have traveled even more, but he loves to help people and his advice to the young is to get some sort of education. His wife was very musical and Ray wished he had been but maybe in his retirement he just may take up trombone lessons. In the meantime, he enjoys watching sports, driving and going on his computer or having his neighbor bring over delicious meals that last him a few days so he doesn’t have to cook too much.

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Seniors

Gramma Molly Molly Boyce

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olly, better known as “Gramma Molly” believes and practices her faith. After 2 aneurysms, 21 years ago, her brain surgery recovery was a miracle and she thanks God for each new day. She believes that living to the age of 75 was by God’s grace and love that got her to where she is today.

Molly grew up on the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad. Her mother, father, grandmother, 4 sisters and 3 brothers were rich in love, provisions and care. She refers to her grandmom as the “best creation God made!” Her

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dad was the provider as a mason and upholsterer. Molly’s dream was to be a nurse, but she was “set off” and intimidated by the needles when it was vaccination time at the school. She recalls literally “kicking up” a fuss with the nurses and the dentists. All in all, it was a wonderful time growing up and there were so many opportunities to do things.

Kids then understood respect. Her advice to children today is to listen to your parents and parents, don’t let your nonsense of no control system ruin your children’s upbringing. As a child, Molly’s dad would give her British pennies and 6 cent pieces. She loved buying sweet treats like tambourine balls and pumpsitae and passing out milk cartons at school lunchtime.

She remembers getting a spanking for wrongdoing, but knew that her parents did this in love.

During the pandemic, she had knee replacement surgery, so she was home Seniors — Winter 2021

and ever so thankful for her daughter who took care of her. It bothers her that society has been divided and people need to consider all research when it comes to choosing whether to take the vaccine or not.

Molly raised her own children – a daughter and a son in Canada. She left Trinidad when she was 24 years old and had a rough time applying and being accepted for jobs. But when things get tough, she asks the Lord for help and gives Him thanks and praise. Today, she has a beautiful granddaughter who has introduced many other children into her life.

Working at a Senior Home-extended care facility, Molly worked hard to support her family, in Toronto for 11 years and then locating to Calgary in 1981 where she has been ever since.

Molly learned that she could “play mas” (joining one of the masquerade bands) during Carifest which brought back her Caribbean roots. She became involved with the Caribees – a young dance group when her granddaughter started dancing. She was known as Gramma Molly to all of them. The words of her grandmother still resonate with her: “So you are; so was I; so as I will; you will be. Prepare yourself.” The richness of life is not necessarily from finances; but rather knowing the Lord, staying healthy and being able to help yourself and others by following the Golden Rule.

Molly reflected on life as she was waiting for her friend. As she watched the yellow leaves blow off the trees, it is amazing that God allows that and the fact that no one can stick those leaves back on. She gives God the glory for it all.

December, 2021

Alto Automan Gerry Diemert

Gerry’s first job was stocking shelves in a grocery store for $1 an hour wor­king part-time after school. From the­re he moved on to delivering prescrip­tions for a Pharmacy and then working at an autobody shop for a family friend.

That piqued his interest to where he is today; working in the autobody industry. He has decreased his hours now after a close call with his health that left him in the hospital for 10 days during the pandemic. Gerry has taught classes as a tech advisor in various autobody shops and has been part of the training centre and repair process since he started there. He still enjoys work at age 66.

Gerry was also active as a young boy. He loved hanging out with his friends and being the silly face. Gerry was given the opportunity to play all the sports like hockey and golf.

His mother basically raised Gerry and his 7 other siblings, as his father was often away working on the CPR. His mother would send a note with the children, put them on the passenger service train and their grandmother would pick them up from the station.

He relished the times he spent on the farm near Regina with his cousins.

Gerry and his brothers would ride their bicycles with a 22 rifle on the handle bars and go to an empty field outside of town and shoot gophers.

They valued the freedom. The boys would go gopher hunting on their uncle’s farm as well. He would pay them 5 cents a tail. Gerry recalls one of his cousins snagging a few tails from the

container that held the tails before they would go out and got paid for them twice. That was until the uncle detected what was transpiring!

Having fun, riding in the Rambler station wagon and living with no fear were the carefree days of growing up.

Gerry’s role model was always his father. He remembers walking down the streets of Regina hand in hand with his dad. He learned a lot from him and to this day, Gerry saves the family money by repairing his own vehicles, one of which he won at a car show, and doing carpentry work. His career path of becoming a pilot or a veterinarian never came to fruition, but he was told never to rush through anything. That wasn’t the case when he saw his future wife.

At youth group, Gerry asked his younger sister, “Who is that girl?” and after he met her, told himself that he was going to marry her. The couple’s first date comprised of a hockey game and free food from the concession because his mom worked there. Today, they have two beautiful daughters and a son and 5 grandchildren, ranging from 5 – 15 years of age. They have sung together at weddings, funerals and on the worship team and with Gerry’s beautiful Alto tenor and Karen’s piano skills, they still make music together with their latest addition, a little Dash hound named Ruby.

They love spending time with their grandchildren and Gerry prays they would all have a bright future ahead in this uncertain world.

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Social Sandi Sandra Lee

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andra, or Sandi to some, has met countless individuals on her many travels throughout the world but if she could meet 3 people from the past, they would be Jesus, Esther and Daniel from the bible, one of her favorite books. If she isn’t traveling, then she is cooking, baking, reading, studying the bible, journaling or looking for another adventure when she can meet people or have fun with the ones she is with. Some favorite memories are hosting a Greek themed pajama party with her 15 cousins and transforming her kitchen into a spa.

Sandra loves people. She also loves to travel.

Sandra has been to the Holy Land twice, Egypt and Jordan, to Norway to explore her roots, ridden a camel near Mt. Sinai for 2 hours in the dark and walked in an African village meeting the people and delivering water pumps as a church project. She would love to get to Turkey and has planned to visit the 7 churches of Revelation with her husband and others who are

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as adventurous as she is when this “new world gone crazy” is over.

Sandra came from a Christian heritage, was dearly loved by her parents who owned a farm and coal mine in central Alberta and was a crying baby with a cleft pallet. The suggestion of using a lamb’s nipple on the feeding bottle finally got food in her tummy.

As the oldest of four, she was a rambunctious child who loved to climb.

Now after 30 different oral surgeries and foot operations, she is smiling and back on her feet.

Two vivid memories that stand out for her are seeing large pictures of Jesus with the children and lambs and remembering her uncle dying of cancer. She saw the compassion her parents showed when the stress and pain of losing a loved one makes a heart ache and being mentored by beautiful Christian women has helped her in her faith through the years. Sandra also recalls the time when her sister, 10 years her junior, found Sandra’s prize Bride Doll and drew on the face and arms.

Sandra was devastated.

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Sandra always thought she would be a nurse but she became a caregiver to her family and later to her mother.

She and her husband of 49 years, met outside an Old Folk’s Home when she was 15 and he was 17. They love their son and 2 daughters and Sandra says she knew Ken was the one because he was genuine, loyal, caring and was loved by her family. They have spent many traditional dinners after church even to this day and plan on growing old together.

Sandra believes that the biggest change in society today is the lack of morality and “if it feels good, do it” mentality. Life was easier when the family camped in the summer, tobogganed behind the car in the winter, visited friends and family, went fishing, to rodeos and always showed hospitality in the home. Her advice to others is to live in the moment, learn from your challenges and trust God expectantly and eagerly. With her cheerful disposition and quest for adventure, Sandra will definitely live her legacy.

December, 2021

Poetry

By Chukwemeka C. Mbah

Unsold for Gold As I ponder the path of the ancient old In search of the destiny we were foretold A God-built-city, a wonderful sight to behold A promise I have long longed to hand hold I will meticulously march on in heat and cold I won’t trade this great goal for silver or gold Nor will I yield my blood bought soul to be sold I will stay firmly knitted within the family fold Until I appear before the grace throne bold

info@lccmediafoundation.ca

Thinline Lord, grant grace I pray thee unto me, to differentiate between meekness and weakness, humility and timidity, confidence and arrogance, remorse and repentance, resting and lazing, quietness and silence, making sense and making noise, thinking and worrying, wealth and money.

More so, dearest Lord I besiege thee, teach me to differentiate between me and mine, and the truth that nothing is truly mine, when, I’m truly thine.

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Seniors

For the Love of Music Amos Garrett

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mos “the famous”, is a well-known musician who has toured the world and continues to develop his professional musical abilities. If he isn’t in a recording studio or on a stage, he can be found with a fishing pole by a body of water or out in the bush hunting for wild game with his brother.

Born in Detroit, Amos lived with his family in a small town near Wing Lake, Michigan. His first memory is when he showed up as an unsupervised toddler at the house soaking wet. When his parents followed the tracks to where he’d come from, they discovered that he had fallen through the ice. Amos has tried many different types of fishing all over the world, from France and Japan to rivers in Alberta.

He takes his vest with his tackle and his rod packed in his suitcase on his tours and believes that his connection to nature brings him a sense of reality and peace. His favorite is catching trout with a fly-fishing rod.

Amos knew at a young age that he would become a musician. When he was 3 years old, he had memorized the names on his father’s record collection and knew from the label shapes, what kind of music was in the album. He was a bit of a “party trick” when his parents would wake him up in the night during one of their cocktail parties to “perform” for the guests. He would come downstairs with his blanket as his cape and proceed to name the artist from the album cover or they would play music and he would tell them if it was Bing Crosby or a classical or jazz piece.

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The piano music lessons started at 7 with lessons and training from the Royal Conservatory, World Conservatory and on to trombone lessons and then self-taught guitar lessons. Now, as a professional musician, Amos’ advice to young upstarts is to switch instruments if one of them just doesn’t “work for you”. Amos has a repertoire of traditional and modern jazz, 5 string banjo, country and western, rock n roll, blue grass and mandolin mixed in his love of music.

He was a mediocre student, but his love of music came from his father’s influence when he would take Amos at 9-10 years of age to see the bands in some of the clubs in Toronto, where he personally knew many of the professional musicians. Amos and his 2 brothers were raised in this area. One particular time, Amos recalls the piano player jumping into a beat up, rusted out car. His father did warn him then that the life of a musician could be a difficult road.

During his last few years at university to become a teacher, Amos had an opportunity to join a band as accompanist on a concert tour making good money. He initially felt guilty about the money his parents had invested in his education, but he took the gig at Carnegie Hall and never looked back.

With a thousand memories, a beautiful wife he met at a club in Vancouver, still producing, playing and improving his music, Amos’ advice to others is to get outdoors! His perseverance and optimistic attitude have helped him become the icon in the music industry that he is today at 80 years of age. Play on, Amos!

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From East to West

December, 2021

Jan Lloyd

Jan has always been attached to various animals, but her earliest memory is when it literally happened with their Irish Setter.

Living in an older house in the Eastern township in Quebec, at the age of 2 and a half, Jan ventured across the street to play with Rusty, her friend. Her mother did not take this lightly and tied Jan to the veranda with the puppy for a time. It seemed that she was always getting in trouble, especially with her mom, but her dad would just laugh at her antics. At 70 years of age, she tries to stay out of trouble.

Jan grew up with her 2 sisters, sheep, cattle, a saddle horse, rabbits, dogs, and even buffalo. All the animals were named and Jan recalls sitting at the dinner table and her father announcing who they were eating that evening. She also discovered that one of her horses was a racehorse and often took her for quite the ride! Eventually, the family would move out west where there were more open spaces.

Walking to school with her cousins, being involved in all sports and the politics of school were memories Jan has. Their high school basketball team won the Quebec provincial championship through hard work and dedication. They had a strong physical education teacher who inspired and was admired by many of the players. Jan took advantage of being on Student Council and was the editor of the year book. Her all-round education served her well when she went off to university.

Originally, she thought she would become an interior decorator, but her father persuaded her to think about a more flexible and supportive career and so Jan decided on an education degree. She started the year, living in a motel in PEI, but eventually graduated from university and started as a Special Education teacher in Nova Scotia. Teaching 14 juvenile delinquent boys was a challenge but very rewarding. Years later when Jan was speeding down a road in Alberta, she was stopped by an RCMP officer. When he looked in at the driver, he recognized Miss Ross and gave her a stern warning, much like she had given him in the classroom.

Jan eventually came to Alberta with her two children, a girl and a boy. She worked long hours as a single mother and eventually became a vice principal and principal of several schools in the division. That is where she met her husband of almost 25 years now. A friend of theirs told each of them separately that “someone would like to go for coffee with you.” The couple have several grandchildren and love and support them in all their endeavors. They have recently bought a motor home and are enjoying their time cruising around, as they sold their place in Arizona. Life continues to be rewarding and their latest pooch, Olive, keeps them active. Jan’s one wish is there would one day be a cure for Crohn’s disease and that her and her husband can continue to be role models for their kids and grandchildren.

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Mischievous Mainlander Murray Lloyd

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urray considers himself a mainlander growing up on the South Island of New Zealand near Christchurch. His dad was one son of 15 children and his grandfather was fairly wealthy, so when he passed away, he gave each of his children a piece of land. Murray grew up with many aunts and uncles, cousins and memories in his 71 years of life.

Murray lived with his maternal grandparents at 6 months of age. His father was home for Christmas, holidays and celebrations and was rarely home, so his mother cared for his oldest and youngest brother and there was always extended family to help out with the livestock and farm. The boys were “rowdy” and were full of energy and mischief. Murray’s father was a positive influence on him as he learned to work with tools, build structures, and plumbing. His mother loved to bake, something Murray enjoys in his retirement now, but she was often busy with horticultural interests, something he enjoys in his retirement now. Murray and his brothers learned to cook and fend for themselves at times.

The boys were notorious for their pranks but they were responsible for taking care of getting the mash for the chickens, feeding the dogs and doing chores at 7 in the morning. Putting objects in the exhaust of the cars got them into some trouble, but they still attended church and spent their summers at camp or at the beach with the cousins. The red-headed boys even played pranks on their sister.

As a child, Murray was often teased and called “four-eyes”.

Because of that, he has worn contacts since he was 15 years old. He enjoyed math, geography and history but wanted nothing to do with science. He played rugby for 20 years and was a competitive runner. In the past number of years, he ran in many road races with the Running Room but had to quit when he pulled his Achilles tendon playing squash. Murray also enjoyed skiing. Academics came quite easy to him and apparently, so did managerial positions.

He acquired an accounting job as soon as he left school. At 22 years of age, he was deputy manager of a company and eventually ended up marrying a Canadian woman. When she became homesick, she and Murray left for Canada. The winter was quite a shock to him, but he found a job quickly as county manager and was in charge of the municipality and the school board. Murray has been back and forth to New Zealand, but he has acquired a group of friends in Canada that he golfs with, visits and enjoys time with. His red wine making, love of music and reading - up to 120 novels last year- take up his time.

Murray’s advice to others is to use humour to lessen the stress. He has become a mentor to many, especially his son and son-in-law and dreams of going to Spain and Italy someday. He has accomplished most of his dreams including attending World Cup and he looks forward to time with his wife, their families, especially their grandchildren.

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December, 2021

The Smiling Storyteller Linda Rakos

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inda understands the beautiful simplicities of life and was blessed with a twin sister who is her best friend to this day.

The girls were special because they were the first babies to be born at the new Coaldale hospital and it was the doctor’s first delivery. He would remain part of the family for their lives.

Humour, authenticity and honesty are attributes that have served Linda well all her life.

Growing up in southern Alberta, Linda, her twin and older sister rode their bikes, played with their toys and broke a few windows with the baseball. Life was an adventure. Their father eventually built them “real” ping pong table after they used hard cover books for paddles and a net strung across the chrome kitchen table. Hand-me-downs, dress-up and role-playing were part of growing up. Linda was quite shy, but she always found moments to make people laugh. That was her coping strategy.

As a teenager, their lives changed.

When her father was involved in an accident and confined to a wheelchair, the family lost their home and during that time, those hardships taught Linda the value of health, safety, and learned experience. Linda has used many of her and her family’s personal experiences in her writing. Her first novel was inspired by one of her two sons. Linda continues to write and always uses her humor to teach.

As a student, she was a “whippersnapper” who wanted to become a teacher. She loved playing basketball and the University of Lethbridge team won nationals one year. She met her husband through a group of friends in Lethbridge at the college and they will soon be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The two of them feel they have won the lottery because they get to care for their two grandsons.

When the couple were raising their own boys, Linda recalls many incidents when the boys’ friends would come over. They knew the rules about no swearing and she taught a few of

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them lessons that they later recalled as adults. One particular time when one of the boys brought his friends over, they marched past her without saying a word. When they were set to leave, she stood in their way and explained, “I guess I have to get an appointment to see the doctor.”

Concerned, they asked her why. Her simple explanation was, “I think I’ve lost my hearing because I didn’t hear one of you say hello or goodbye.” Her direct, yet humorous way of teaching was effective on many occasions.

Linda’s advice to others is not to judge and to live truthful lives. Sometimes the path we end up on is full of stops and bumps, but when we get knocked down, we have to get back up and learn from what happened and stay positive. Her grandsons know the rules and that delayed gratification, fair punishment and respect will be learned as they grow up in the love of their grandparents. She will have many stories to tell.

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Seniors

Join us in launching Edmonton’s Black Community Fund

building

community together

“...built by the community, serving the community...”

For more details on how to contribute, visit www.ecfoundation.org 40

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